TESDA or the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is the local government agency tasked to oversee and supervise instruction in technical and vocational courses for Filipinos interested in upgrading their competencies or considering a business.

If you are planning to become an entrepreneur but unsure of what to do or where to start, here are 11 TESDA online courses you can use to start a business:

1. Air-Conditioning Services

Temperatures in the Philippines can be unforgiving. With global warming, the weather has become unpredictable. An air-conditioner is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity.

But air-conditioners are expensive especially inverter models that consume less power. The best option would be to have regular maintenance or have them repaired when there are problems.

There are many air-conditioner repair services in the Philippines. And despite their number, it’s hard to have a contractor to commit to a repair schedule because of demand.

This is a TESDA online course where there is still a large growing market in the Philippines.

2. Computer Repair

It’s hard to keep up with technology. It is evolving every day. The PC, laptop or tablet you bought today could be obsolete in a few months.

For office work, it is a rule to change or upgrade the PC every year. But it can be very expensive to buy new computers every year. Another option would be to upgrade and maintain old ones constantly. The same holds true for home computers.

A computer repair business offers customers more convenience because instead of them going to you, you can go to them. Your rates should also be competitive. Computer repair shops charge higher because of overhead costs.

3. Housekeeping

Believe it or not, housekeeping isn’t just about sweeping the floors, mopping tiles and dusting upholstery.

It is learning how to deal with customers; conducting yourself in a professional manner while rendering a valuable service. You should know how to interact with customers and resolve issues without conflict.

You should also know how to approach different types of cleaning problems. Materials have different properties. If you don’t know how to clean them, they could end up permanently damaged.

Many families are dual income and do not have much time to clean the household. Offices are also outsourcing cleaning services. You could set up a company that does general cleaning and housekeeping services to residential homes or commercial establishments.

4. Information Technology

IT is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and as it has for the past 15 years.

As the world continues to be dependent on the Internet and businesses look for ways to make life and work more efficient, there will always be demand for people who are experts in IT.

IT offers a wide range of options for you:

  • Website Design and Development
  • Programming
  • Software Development
  • Animation
  • Graphics Design
  • Networking Solutions
  • Gaming Development

You can easily find a career if you can become proficient in IT. You can start your own business or become a well-paid consultant.

5. Food and Beverage

Do you have a location that you can transform into a Bed and Breakfast Inn? Do you plan to set up catering service?

If so, it would be best to learn the basics of the Food and Beverage business. It’s not just about serving good food, but customers prioritize the experience.

You should know how to hire the right personnel, how to plan the menu, learn all about food cost and most importantly the best approach to managing guests.

Related: 20 Small Food Business Ideas with Small Capital in the Philippines

6. Massage Therapy

If there is one business that is immune to periods of economic downturn, it would be personal wellness. Massage Therapy falls under personal wellness and TESDA offers courses on different types of massage.

Massage Therapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. It helps blood circulation, removes toxins and loosens up tight muscles. It is also one of the best ways to pamper yourself! Everyone feels better after a massage.

Many Massage Therapy home service businesses start nowadays because it is an excellent way to earn money without needing much capital.

7. Salon and Beauty Care

In addition to Massage Therapy, Salon and Beauty Care is another recession proof business!

When times are hard, Filipinos troop over to the Salon and Beauty Care center to make them feel better about themselves. You can have skin treatments, facials or have your nails done.

Salon and Beauty Care treatments are rejuvenating and reinvigorating. When you feel good about yourself, you become more confident in what you can do.

You don’t have to put up an establishment for Beauty Care. There are many Beauty Care providers today that provide home service.

8. Automobile Servicing

Who hasn’t experienced rushing out of the house for an important meeting only to discover your car won’t run? Or who has been in a situation when this happens during busy traffic?

Cars are a necessity in this day and age of number coding and all of these silly ineffective schemes by the MMDA. But they can also lead to a rise in blood pressure when they fail on you just when you need them.

For most of us who only have one car, Automobile home service is a godsend. It may take awhile, and you may be late for your meeting, but automobile home service will save you more money.

9. Cooking

Many Filipinos do not make market studies when it comes to the food business. Everyone always says the food business is good because Filipinos love to eat.

But in truth, the food business isn’t just about selling good food. You have to compete with others, offer more value for money and still profit from your venture.

You need to work with people and manage all the resources at your disposal to keep your margins up.

Whether you are planning to put up a carinderia or a restaurant, you should take up cooking.

Related: How to Start a Carinderia with Small Capital in the Philippines

10. Cellphone Repair

Smartphones are starting to rule the world. It is estimated that by 2020, there will be 1 Billion smartphones operating globally.

In the Philippines alone there are 27.5 Million smartphone users or roughly 27% of the population! This number is estimated to increase to 38.4 Million in 2020.

Given the fact that we are the “texting capital of the world,” you should expect smartphones to be subject to wear and tear. Filipinos also like to upgrade their phones and dress it up frequently. So you should also have accessories on hand.

11. Agricultural Business

The Philippines is an agriculturally rich country. We have some of the sweetest mangoes, pineapples, and bananas on the planet.

The Philippines export receipts for bananas in 2015 reached US$439.9 Million. Countries such as Australia, the United States, Korea, and Japan are top export markets.

And we have other promising fruit varieties:

  • Papaya
  • Avocado
  • Dragon Fruit
  • Durian
  • Mangosteen

If you don’t have the resources to plant fruits why not create by-products such as dried fruit, jam, wine, ice cream and preserves?

I’ve tried many good varieties of exotic fruit wines and preserves from the Cordilleras. Whenever there is a trade fair, I make sure to stock up on many domestic products especially my favorite Civet coffee!

Start your business

The TESDA online programs are comprehensive and will provide everything you need to know to start a business. When selecting a TESDA online course, make sure it is your passion or along the lines of your general interest. Be prepared to invest time and money in your business idea. With dedication, commitment, and confidence you could have a rewarding career as an entrepreneur!